What Affects My Swimming Pool Water Chemistry?

With the latest technology like robotic cleaners, automation, and energy-efficient pumps, a swimming pool can practically take care of itself (and save you money). But it’s still important to know a little about the basics of pool water chemistry. So here are factors that play a key role in your Pearland and Houston area swimming pool water chemistry.

Swimming Pool Water Chemistry: pH Balance

pH is the major factor you should keep balanced when maintaining your swimming pool water chemistry. pH refers to the level of acidity in your water, and comes from the use of chemicals to keep it balanced and free from contaminants and algae growth. You want your pH to remain between 7.4 to 7.6 at all times to avoid burning eyes and to allow for free chlorine use.

Swimming Pool Alkalinity

Closely connected to pH, the alkalinity is the amount of base, or hydrogen ions, in your water. It also refers to the ability of your water to contain and reduce the loss of hydrogen. Keeping your alkalinity balanced helps to keep your pH levels optimal when additional acids or bases are introduced to the water. You want your pool’s alkalinity to be between 80 to 150 parts per million (PPM).

Pool Water Calcium Hardness Levels

Your pool has dissolved calcium salts in its water. These can increase or decrease from the oils and salts on people’s skin, from debris that falls into your pool, and from the chemical reactions that form from maintaining your water balance. You want to keep these levels around 250 ppm. If the calcium level is too low, it can create pitting in the plaster, while high amounts of calcium make the water cloudy and can result in scaling.

Pool Chlorine Levels

Chlorine is, for many people, a vital part of keeping the chemistry in their water properly balanced. Too much chlorine, and you’ll end up with burning in the eyes and a strong odor. Too little, and the pool’s alkalinity and pH will be out of control, leading to things like cloudy water and algae growth. Ideal chlorine levels should be at 0.2ppm or less, and free chlorine should be in the range of 1 to 3 ppm.

This might all seem like a lot to know and monitor, but with Hayward OmniLogic automation you hardly even have to think about it. In fact, it’s never been easier to maintain a swimming pool. Robotic pool cleaners can do most of the daily cleaning and there’s almost nothing you can’t do from your smartphone. You can even ask Alexa to turn on the hot tub!

So if you’ve wanted a Houston swimming pool but worried about not having time to maintain it, then right now is a great time to see what today’s swimming pools can do. Right now is also a great time to get started on your new pool so that you can be swimming this spring. Contact us today to set up a free design consultation.

About the Company

With over 30 years of combined industry experience, Sean and Justin started St. John’s Pools, Spas, and Patios with the desire to bring island living to your Pearland and Houston area backyard. It all starts with exceptional customer service and listening to your wants and needs to plan and design the backyard of your dreams. Using only the highest quality materials and equipment, your new custom pool and outdoor living space will be an incredible value that provides fun, relaxation, and wonderful memories for years to come. No other Houston, Pearland, Sugar Land, or Katy pool company offers a better combination of pool price and quality.

Get started on your new dream backyard and swimming pool by scheduling a FREE, no obligation in-house consultation. Or, call Justin at 281-784-9263 or Sean at 832-371-8781 to learn more about new pool construction and swimming pool pricing. Let’s talk about building your dream backyard!